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Re: [RC] Shoes for the Rider - Beverley H. Kane, MDApril, In Nov '06 Endurance News there is an article I wrote on shoes for the rider. It was based on a survey of AERC members as a result of the time when I was new to endurance and tore my feet to hamburger meat in paddock boots on steep hills on a hot day. If you don't have that EN, PM me and I'll e- you the author's proof. The majority of people in that survey chose Ariat Terrains. A lot of people used hybrid hiking-running shoes. As I recall, one or two people used Horseshoes and there were a few other interesting outliers--inc paddock boots. Off of the survey, I bought a couple of low cut versions of Terrains--same platform construction--Pulse and Dumas + Ariat Terrain half chaps. They worked well until one day this Fall, on a long ride, the stretched out L Dumas fell off my foot at a vigorous trot, held on only by my half chap. I rode the rest of the way in w/ one working stirrup. What a pain! After that, and taking a cue from some top notch endurance riders/ride-and-tiers in my area, I switched to wearing my running shoes + half chaps. With wide, bunionesque forefoot & skinny heels, I can only wear Saucony. This has worked well, and I hope I'm -done- changing shoes. The half chaps keep out dirt and rocks, tho at sandy rides, I see some folks wearing gaiters. If you go with running shoes, two suggestions--make sure there are no fancy heel tabs that rub. They can cause pump bumps--rubbing on the Achilles tendon. Some runners have to cut vertical slits to free up the heel tabs. Also, get a pair of spring-loaded shoelace clips from a running store, and never have to tie your shoes again. (Lazy bum that I am, I keep the shoe-half chap combo attached and just slip the whole thing on, loosening and tightening the toggle clips.) I still wear the Dumas and Pulse for loping around the flat ranch on my 24-yo. But I won't risk them again for long, hilly, fast rides on athletic horses. Please let us know what you decide on and what works (and doesn't work)! Beverley =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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